The Malta Sociological Association (MSA) notes the European Commission's initiative to identify opportunities for simplification, better implementation, and the reduction of unnecessary administrative burdens affecting citizens.
The MSA emphasizes that efforts to streamline legislation and public administration should be informed by robust Social Impact Assessment (SIA). Administrative simplification can have significant social consequences, both intended and unintended, particularly for vulnerable groups, social inclusion, access to services, participation, and social cohesion.
We therefore recommend the mainstreaming of Social Impact Assessment across relevant EU policy-making processes, in line with internationally recognised guidance such as the International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) principles and guidelines. Where the Commission identifies the need for further impact assessment in relation to this initiative, such assessment should explicitly include a Social Impact Assessment component, ensuring that proposed measures are evaluated not only in terms of efficiency and administrative burden reduction, but also in terms of their effects on citizens, communities, social equity, and quality of life.
A stronger social dimension in impact assessment would contribute to evidence-based, citizen-centred policy making and help ensure that simplification measures deliver tangible benefits while safeguarding social wellbeing across the European Union.
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